Troy University’s “freshmen” international students are now members of the Johnson Center for the Arts.

Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. made the memberships available to the students with a $1,000 donation to the Johnson Center following a visit to the art center on International Student Day, which is hosted annual by the City of Troy.

Vicki Pritchett, Johnson Center executive director, expressed appreciation to Hawkins for the University’s continuing support of the Johnson Center through the memberships for the international students.

“The memberships to the Johnson Center are a wonderful way to connect the international students the arts center and with downtown Troy,” Pritchett said. “The international students will receive emails about all of the events at the Johnson Center and our quarterly newsletter. They will also receive personal invitations to all of the special events at the Johnson Center, including our meet the artist receptions and the artist’s talk series.”

Pritchett said the memberships provide a way for the international students to be a part of downtown activities and events and enjoy all the Johnson Center has to offer.

“Several of the art teachers at the University bring their classes to the Johnson Center,” Pritchett said. “Other than that, the University students often are not aware of the exceptional art opportunities offered at the Johnson Center, and not just in the visual arts. We have others arts events throughout the year.

“Hopefully, while the students are visiting the Johnson Center, they will take time to visit the restaurants and shops on the square. Downtown Troy has a lot of offer all Troy University students as does the Johnson Center.”

Pritchett said while admission to the Johnson Center for the Arts is always free, memberships are a way for students and community members to personally connect with the arts center.

Annual students memberships are $10 and family memberships are $30.